Brought Near by the Blood of Christ

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Brought Near by the Blood of Christ

Date: Aug. 21, 2016

Passage

Ephesians 2:11-22 (ESV)

11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 2:13

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

First, Jesus is our peace (11-18). Jews had the covenant of circumcision, but Gentiles had no covenant with God, so were separated from Christ, without hope and without God in the world. But God saved all in Christ, having brought those near and far together on the basis of his holy blood alone. In this way Jesus is our peace, destroying the barrier of sin between God and man, and therefore between man and man. He has created one new humanity in Christ, access to one Father by one Spirit.

Second, God's holy temple (19-22). Therefore, in Christ, Jews and Gentiles share one citizenship and one household, founded on the Word of God, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. Together we are a holy temple and the dwelling of God's Spirit. We are being built together, so we need one another for the continuing work of sanctification in our lives and in our world.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for drawing me near to you by the blood of Jesus, and making peace. Let me live as your holy people, where you Spirit may dwell.

One Word: Christ himself is our peace

God’s Wrath and Justice

Revelation 6:1-17

Key Verse: 6:17

for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

Today's Question

What does God require from us to escape His anger and curse, which we deserve for our sin?

See answer and references